By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

NORCO – Children in St. Charles Parish picked up skills to deal with bullying and new dance moves during a special interactive presentation from hip-hop dance group Rhythm/Soul Dance Productions recently.
Lafayette natives Terrance Morgan, 35, and Tyler Wilson, 30, presented a mixture of improvisational acting, comedy, dance and education in their act “No Bullies Allowed.” Children learned self-improvement, determination, problem solving, conflict resolution and confidence through demonstrative skits. Wilson said the first goal of their performance is to impact lives.  “At first we were just dancing and doing shows, but then we thought that we wanted to do something more to give back to the community,” said Wilson. “We’re here to dance and entertain you, but it’s always our message that’s number one,” said Morgan. The pair recently had the opportunity to take their act to a juvenile detention center where Morgan said they received an overwhelmingly positive response.
The dancers also offer a presentation to encourage positive thinking but took the initiative to start “No Bullies Allowed” after hearing public outcry against school bullying.  Morgan said that because of their appearance, the pair often receive doubtful looks from those who request their services. “We’re two regular guys that come in, sometimes with backpacks and a boombox. Really, nothing major as far as equipment. When most people see us, which is the image I like to give off, they don’t know what we’re about to do. Most people get nervous and ask ‘How long have y’all been doing this?’ I usually tell them its our first day. The element of surprise, you know,” he said mischievously. But the group has plenty of experience — the twosome began collaborating in 2005 after meeting at their hometown recreational center. Wilson said he has been dancing professionally for about nine years but has danced since he was a child. Morgan said he has been dancing for 15 years. Ultimately, the pair wants people to know they care about the message they send to youth.  “We’re very passionate, and we give it our all, and we’re always working to make it better,” said Morgan.  For more information about Rhythm/Soul Dance Productions, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RhythmSoulTnT. The program was part of the St. Charles Parish Library Teen and Tween Summer Reading Club. More information about summer events at St. Charles Parish Library can be found at www.myscpl.org/teens.